Harris County, Texas - Harris County Citizen Corps will hold its sixth annual CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Rodeo on Saturday, February 11th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harris County Fire & Sheriff’s Training Academy, 2318 Atascocita Rd. in Humble. The best time for interviews and video/photo opportunities is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

This event gives participants from across the state a chance to test their skills in medical operations, search and rescue, fire suppression, incident command, emergency preparedness and hazmat recognition.

"Harris County is a national model of emergency management, and the cornerstone of that success is our strong commitment to individual and community preparedness," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “Citizen Corps volunteers make our community better prepared for any disaster and a safer place to live each and every day.”

After completing an extensive eight-week course taught by first-responders, CERT members are proficient in emergency preparedness basics that can be put to use in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Harris County Citizen Corps Program membership includes 243 Community Emergency Response Teams with 13,712 trained residents, 24 Volunteer in Police Service agencies with 21,537 trained volunteers, one Medical Reserve Corps unit with 2,653 trained professionals, 18 cities and 336 neighborhoods participating in the USA on Watch program with 5,515 volunteers and 23 Fire Corps agencies.

The group’s success is due in large part to its growing partnership with first responders, non-profit agencies and community organizations.

To join Harris County Citizen Corps, or for more information about the 6th Annual CERT Rodeo go to www.harriscountycitizencorps.comor call (281) JOIN NOW (564-6669). You can also get Harris County Citizen Corps news and updates on Facebook.